Getting around in the Helsinki Region
The Helsinki metropolitan region is the home for approximately one million people. It covers four different cities and Metropolia operates in three of them. The excellent public transport network keeps the places and people well connected.
All the campuses are a maximum of 30 minutes' ride away from the city center of Helsinki. The housing association HOAS will also search you the best possible accommodation with good connections to your campus, should you wish to stay in a HOAS apartment. This will make your commuting quick and easy.
Many former international students find getting around the region easy and quick:
"Public transport works perfectly and the price is really good for students. If you feel lost somewhere you can be sure that there is always someone that can speak English to help you.”
- Former exchange student at Metropolia
Helsinki Region Transport HSL
The network is run by Helsinki Region Transport HSL. The HSL network covers commuter trains, trams, metro, bus and some public ferries, such as the ferry to the Suomenlinna sea fortress. The same ticket works for all the means of transport.
HSL serves also the airport connections in Helsinki.
Routes
The HSL Journey Planner is an excellent tool to help you navigate in the region. Just type your address of departure and your destination and it shows the times, means of transport and connection maps.
Tickets
Students studying for a degree in Finland and exchange students get a 40% discount with HSL's season tickets. With the discount, a monthly ticket for the AB zone costs €42,20 (AB zone covers all Metropolia campuses). You will receive instructions on the HSL discount and the required documents at your orientation upon your arrival.
Note that you will only get the discount during your enrollment period, so for example if you come to Helsinki before your studies begin or you stay for a little bit longer, you will not be entitled to the discount.
The price depends on what kind of a ticket you use and which zones you need to use:
- If you are planning to use the public transportation on a daily basis during your studies, you are recommended to get a travel card and buy the season ticket.
- If you are planning to use the public transportation only every now and then, you might still want to stick to the HSL app, where you can get digital tickets on the go.
- You can check the zone system on the HSL website. For example, the airport and Nuuksio National Park are in zone C.
See more on the ticket prices on the HSL website.
Biking around the City
The Helsinki region is becoming more and more bicycle friendly. Facilities and routes for bikers are constantly spreading. Just remember to use the helmet, headlight and reflectors - especially the winter time can be tricky!
Should cycling be your way to move around the city, check the second-hand bikes at bike shops or ask around from your tutor and classmates.
If you wish to explore Helsinki by bike, check the city bike network for temporary use.
For tips on cycling routes, see
Taxi Service
There are several taxi service providers, such as Menevä, Taksi Helsinki or Lähitaksi, operating in the Helsinki region. Note that taxis can be rather expensive in Finland.
Long-Distance Traveling
For traveling around Finland you can use the extensive train and long-distance coach services in addition to flying. With the degree or exchange student status in Metropolia, you also get several student discounts. See more information on the network, tickets and scheduling of different service providers: